AOPA's Air Safety Institute has produced a new video and a printed guide to help educate pilots and passengers about the skills they need to survive a forced landing in an aircraft. "The safest pilot is one who prepares for any eventuality," said George Perry, senior vice president at ASI. "That includes preparing for an off-airport landing. You need to take the right steps, have the right equipment and know the right techniques to ensure a successful outcome." The program, "Survive: Beyond the Forced Landing," was developed with funding from the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association. It's posted online and available free.

Among the topics covered in the program are survival communications, preferred gear, advice for detection from rescuers, and the importance of flight plans and flight following. Once on the ground, the program covers how to communicate with air traffic control and other authorities, first aid, and the use of basic survival equipment, such as emergency locators, strobes and space blankets. The 13-minute video is right here for you: